By Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Upon relocating to London as an international student, one quickly realizes how costs can pile up, from accommodation and groceries to travel and tuition fees. The professional atmosphere also appears quite different, with new styles of working, communicating, and views on creativity.
Part-time positions connected these realms for me, aiding in financial management while gaining insights into the UK market, especially from a marketing and customer experience angle. My initial and most cherished position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing team. Being compensated to produce content for a prestigious university was extraordinary and positively influenced my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team to create content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms was a fantasy realized. It involved crafting narratives and sharing the student journey, mastering institutional communication, and grasping the tone and authenticity that connect with varied audiences.
This position provided exceptional opportunities, including interviewing prominent figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. It all commenced with accepting a minor opportunity. The MORA team is welcoming, supportive, and fosters creative exploration. If you enjoy storytelling and wish to partake in exciting content projects, this is one of the finest part-time roles at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are many avenues to discover part-time employment at Imperial. I discovered mine through Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the specific role and display enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CVs, mock interviews, and job searches. Employers look for reliability, initiative, and friendliness beyond mere experience.
Balancing work and study
Juggling work and classes necessitates organization. I arranged shifts during times when my class load was lighter. Your degree should take precedence, yet a well-suited part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing coursework felt significantly more relevant when applied to real-world scenarios.
Exploring different part-time jobs
During my Master’s, I explored various roles such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted unique lessons. Experience in hospitality offered real customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under stress. These abilities have remained with me beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
Financially, part-time jobs were essential. I managed to cover rent, travel, and living costs, and even managed to save. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, thus achieving a balance between income and downtime.
Complying with visa regulations is vital, as surpassing work hour limitations can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, and it is prudent to verify conditions prior to accepting positions.
Final thoughts
Looking back on my part-time experiences at Imperial, it has been more than just earning money. It developed my confidence, taught professionalism within a new cultural context, and connected me with a diverse array of people. Every position, from crafting coffee to developing digital campaigns, imparts valuable lessons for the future.
If you are embarking on your Master’s and pondering how to manage finances while gaining practical experience, start exploring part-time roles early on. A simple “yes” today could lead to extraordinary experiences.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.